Relation between Change in Potential Energy and Work Done

In summary, potential energy is defined as the negative work done by a conservative force, and this applies to forces such as gravity. It does not require proof and only applies to conservative forces.
  • #1
andyrk
658
5
Why is dU=-[itex]\vec{F}[/itex].d[itex]\vec{r}[/itex]
Integrating with putting the limits on we get:
ΔU=-W
Why is this? Here [itex]\vec{F}[/itex] is a conservative force/Force field.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
hi andyrk! :smile:

potential energy is simply another name for (minus) the work done by a conservative force :wink:

Does it have any proof? Or is it just stated out of nowhere?
 
  • #4
Potential Energy is actually defined that way. It doesn't require a proof.
 
  • #5
yup! :smile:

definition! :wink:

(also applies eg to gravity)

(and only works for conservative forces)
 

1. What is the relationship between change in potential energy and work done?

The change in potential energy is directly proportional to the work done. This means that as the potential energy increases or decreases, the work done will also increase or decrease accordingly.

2. How is work done related to potential energy?

Work done is the transfer of energy from one form to another. When a force is applied to an object and causes it to move, work is done and this can result in a change in potential energy.

3. Can potential energy be converted into work?

Yes, potential energy can be converted into work. This is often seen in situations where an object is dropped and its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in work being done.

4. What factors affect the amount of work done in a system?

The amount of work done in a system is affected by the magnitude of the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied. The greater the force and the longer the distance, the more work is done.

5. How is the concept of potential energy and work done used in real-world applications?

The concepts of potential energy and work done are used in various real-world applications, such as calculating the amount of energy needed to lift objects, determining the efficiency of machines, and understanding the behavior of objects in motion, among others.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
276
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
199
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
503
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
780
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
933
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
893
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
952
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
435
Back
Top